Masonry restoration coordination

Although the facade of Harris Hall appears to be in generally good condition, there is considerable restoration and cleaning that is needed.  After all the building is nearly 100 years old.  Some of the stone is cracked or spalled (see photo below for a sample of a spall) and has to be replaced or repaired.  About 25% of the mortar joints need to be ground out and re-grouted.  The parapet is in poor shape and has to be taken apart and re-built.  Lastly, there is general dirt and moss that needs to be cleaned.  The following photos were taken during a June 16, 2009 meeting with the masonry contractor.  At the same time as the masonry coordination meeting, representatives of the architectural firm, Wiss Janey Elstner, engaged by Turner, were inspecting the building for the purpose of preparing an existing conditions survey.

Dan Weese – Jimmy Z (mason) – Don McDougal

Dan Weese – Don McDougal - Jimmy Z (mason)

WJE representative inspecting south facade.

Example of a “spall.”  Spalling can occur for a variety of reasons.  i.e. a rusting anchor can expand behind the stone and exert sufficient pressure to spall the stone.  Settlement or some other pressure exerted from behind the stone can cause a spall.  Simple freeze-thaw action, if water penetrates behind the stone, can cause a spall. 

This photo shows the moss and dirt that has to be scraped and cleaned from the parapet on the north side of the building.